Martha bent down to get a closer look at their temporary guest. "I think someone needs a change."
"I know, it hasn't been that long, Mother. She is sound asleep, so I'll just get a little wet for now. Besides I'm enjoying having a little one to hold again."
"Well do enjoy yourself Richard, just don't get too attached. She will need to leave with the authorities soon."
"Must you always rain on my parade...besides I thought you moved out? Did you have a fight with Chet?"
"Can't a mother come and visit her only child and grandchild without an inquisition."
"Are you all right? Chet hasn't..."
"Chet had a gig out of town. I didn't want to be at his place all alone...besides I missed you and Alexis."
"I apologize; it is wonderful to see you again so soon. If I'm not mistaken you joined us for dinner last night. You know you're always welcome, Mother. Since I haven't rented out your old room as yet, please stay tonight and join us for breakfast."
"Why thank you dear! That's why I never moved all of my things to Chet's, too much to carry back and forth. I'll just make myself a little nightcap and turn in. Did you want something, Richard?"
'No thank you, sleep well." Castle watched her go upstairs and reveled in quiet once again.
About thirty minutes later, Alexis came down stairs in her pajamas. "Hi Pumpkin, your school project done?"
"All done! Hey Dad, Gram said that you have company? I thought you had a case with Detective Beckett? Why are you holding a baby...is there something that you need to tell me?"
"This is Emma and she was found at the scene of our case tonight….."
"Wow Dad, you are so dead! First you stole crime scene photos and then case files, now you walk off with a witness from a crime scene. Detective Beckett won't just arrest you this time."
"Kate asked me to watch her until Social Services can come get her. It was me or a holding cell."
"Oh, OK…Dad you do know that she needs to be changed, your shirt is wet."
"Really? I thought I was just leaking again. Kindly remember young lady that I have done this before and you turned out slightly better that OK."
"Gee Dad, Thanks!"
The baby began to move and stretch in his arms, "Someone is waking up. Be warned she may cry because we are strangers to her." Slowly the big blue, green eyes opened, she looked first at Rick and then at Alexis. Emma stretched out her arms to the puzzled teen, silently asking to be picked up. "Mama, mama!" Rick was stunned at first, as was Alexis, until he remembered what or who the young victim looked like.
Rick transferred the baby to Alexis. "Her mom had the same color hair and eyes as you...hey, at least she is not crying."
"Hi there, Emma! Dad, she is very wet. I think someone needs a makeover, it's bath time."
As Alexis walked with the baby to the stairs, Rick grabbed the bag of supplies and followed his daughter to her bathroom. "I'll put a towel on the bottom of the tub so she won't slip or fall and fill the tub."
"Cute Dad, I get diaper duty. Throw me a towel, I don't want to sleep on a water bed tonight."
"Change her on the floor, so she can't fall. Now give me her pants and top and I'll rinse them out and dispose of the diaper."
The baby squealed happily when the soaked diaper was removed. She rolled onto her knees and promptly set off to explore in blissful nudity. Castle chuckled as Alexis followed her around the room removing breakable and dangerous items that she grabbed for inspection and tasting purposes.